Students at Newberry College benefit from a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates successfully manage their debt obligations despite moderate earnings levels.
The college's nursing program stands out with solid early-career pay and the personalized attention that comes with small class sizes.
Newberry College is a small private nonprofit institution in South Carolina that serves nearly 49% Pell-eligible students and about 31% first-generation college students, reflecting its commitment to accessible higher education. While the college faces challenges with overall completion rates—44% of students graduate within six years—it provides a personalized educational experience that can be particularly valuable for students who thrive in smaller academic settings.
The institution's strongest outcomes emerge in specialized programs like nursing, where graduates earn significantly above the college's overall median. With median 10-year earnings of $48,040, Newberry performs modestly compared to national benchmarks, though graduates in healthcare and business fields often see stronger financial returns. The college's small size creates opportunities for close faculty mentorship and individualized support that can benefit students who need additional academic guidance.
As part of the "Under-Resourced Institutions" mobility category, Newberry combines broad access with more modest outcomes, serving students who might not otherwise attend college while working to improve long-term success rates. For families seeking an affordable private college experience with strong programs in specific fields, Newberry offers a community-focused alternative to larger public institutions.
Newberry College's program portfolio centers on two main areas: nursing and business administration. The nursing program represents the college's strongest financial outcome, with 26 graduates earning a median of $56,415 early in their careers, making it both the highest-earning and highest aggregate return program. This reflects the strong demand for healthcare professionals and the program's effectiveness in preparing students for stable, well-paying careers in nursing.
Business Administration and Management serves as the college's largest program with 33 graduates, though earnings are more modest at $32,925 in the early career years. This program provides foundational business skills that can lead to various career paths, though financial outcomes depend heavily on the specific industry and role students pursue after graduation.
The concentration in these two fields reflects Newberry's focus on practical, career-oriented education. Students considering Newberry should carefully evaluate program choice, as the nursing program delivers significantly stronger financial returns than other offerings. The college's small size allows for personalized attention in both programs, which can be particularly valuable for students who benefit from close faculty mentorship and hands-on learning experiences.
Graduates of Newberry College earn a median of $48,040 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution in the lower tier of national earnings outcomes. However, this overall figure masks significant variation by program, with nursing graduates earning around $56,415 early in their careers while business administration majors see more modest returns around $32,925. The college shows slight positive value in earnings beyond expectations, with graduates earning about $794 more than similar students at comparable institutions.
The strongest financial outcomes come from Newberry's nursing program, which combines solid enrollment with strong early-career pay, making it the college's highest aggregate return major. Business Administration and Management represents the largest program by enrollment with 33 graduates, though earnings in this field are more moderate. These two programs anchor much of the college's career preparation, with nursing leading to stable healthcare employment and business providing foundational skills for various industries.
While overall earnings lag behind many four-year institutions, graduates in specialized programs often find stable career paths with growth potential. The college's small size and close faculty relationships can provide networking advantages and personalized career guidance that help students maximize their chosen field's earning potential over time.
Newberry College offers relatively accessible pricing for a private institution, with low-income students paying about $18,692 annually and middle-income families seeing costs around $22,439 per year. Even high-income families face net prices of approximately $23,338, making the college more affordable than many private competitors. This pricing structure reflects the institution's commitment to serving students from diverse economic backgrounds, particularly the nearly 49% who qualify for Pell Grants.
The college's financial aid approach helps keep upfront costs manageable, though students typically graduate with meaningful debt levels. Federal student loan debt averages $26,805, while families who choose Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $16,454. Despite these debt levels, the college maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, suggesting that graduates generally manage their repayment obligations successfully.
For families seeking private college benefits at a more accessible price point, Newberry's net costs compare favorably to many private institutions. The combination of need-based aid and the college's base tuition structure creates opportunities for students who want small class sizes and personalized attention without the premium pricing typical of many private colleges.
Newberry College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
